sgot / ast (aspartate aminotransferase ) Test

Aspartate Aminotransferase also is known as AST is an enzyme that is normally present in liver and heart cells and to a lesser extent in the kidneys and muscles. In healthy individuals, levels of AST in the blood are low. When the liver or muscle cells are injured, AST is released into the blood. AST test detects liver damage. Another name for aminotransferase is transaminase. Aspartate Aminotransferase test is most useful in detecting liver damage due to hepatitis, drugs toxic to the liver, cirrhosis, and alcoholism.

AST is also sometimes known as serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase abbreviated as SGOT. The enzyme levels are also elevated when there is underlying liver damage. Also, there are certain medications that can cause a rise in the enzyme levels. Understanding what is SGOT test becomes easier when you know the clinical definition.

Is there any difference between SGOT and AST?

Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase or commonly known as SGOT is an enzyme that is present in liver and heart cells. If there is an underlying liver or heart damage, the enzymes are released into the blood. Sometimes SGOT also finds a reference as AST, but the question arises what is SGOT and what is AST? There is no practical difference between the two as SGOT is also known as aspartate aminotransferase (AST).

Abnormal AST SGOT levels generally signify improper liver functions. The SGOT test is an important diagnostic tool used in diagnosing liver damage. The test can sometimes also be used to monitor the treatment progress for an underlying liver disease. These tests are carried out to any hospitals and diagnostic centres and hospitals. The SGOT test cost can vary depending upon where these tests are conducted.

24 to 36 Hours

Aspartate Aminotransferase test determines any liver damage. It is often carried out in conjunction with another liver enzyme, alanine transferase (ALT), or as a part of a liver panel to diagnose any possible liver disorders.

• Symptoms of a liver disorder that are commonly observed are

• Loss of appetite, Nausea, Vomiting 

• Weakness, Fatigue

• Abdominal swelling and/or pain

• Jaundice

• Dark urine, light coloured stoolItching (pruritus)

• Individuals vulnerable to liver diseases include

• People who might have been exposed to hepatitis viruses

• People who consume high levels of alcohol

• People with a family history of liver disease 

• People who consume drugs that can possibly damage the liver

• People who are overweight and/or have diabetes

• No Fasting Required.

• No other special preparations required

Specimen type: Serum

(Blood Sample), Specimen collection procedure: Venipuncture

(Collection of blood from a vein, usually from the arm)

It is a simple blood test that is carried by drawing the blood sample from the vein on your arm. The collected blood sample is then sent to the laboratory for analysis of the SGOT levels.

To understand the test report, it is imperative that you know the reference range of the enzyme. The AST normal range for men is 10 to 40 units/L, and for women is 9 to 32 units/L. If the test results are higher than the SGOT normal range, it indicates possible damage to the organ that contains the enzyme.

The doctor might prescribe other liver function tests along with this test. List of these tests include

1. Alanine transaminase (ALT) test

2. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test

3. Albumin test: It provides conclusive evidence of how well the liver is making the albumin protein.

4. Bilirubin test: When the liver is damaged it does not process bilirubin leading to high levels in the blood.

5. Glucose test: Unusually low glucose levels are detected if a liver does not function accurately.

6. Platelet Count: Low platelet count can be a warning of an underlying liver disease.

The SGOT blood test does not pose any significant risks to the patient. Some of the rare side effects of the test include bruising, infection or pain at the injection site. Also a few might experience fainting or dizzy spells.

If you have consumed any over the counter medications like ibuprofen before the test or a few days before the test, results could be compromised. It is important that your doctor has prior knowledge about this.

To have an in-depth understanding of the symptoms, it is important to know what is SGOT and SGPT is and what is their function. Both SGPT and SGOT are sensitive indicators of liver damage and are collectively used as liver function tests. Some of the high SGOT and SGPT levels symptoms include:

1. Fatigue

2. Weakness

3. Shortness of Breath

4. Jaundice

5. Nausea and Vomiting

6. Excessive bleeding or bruising

Strict diet modifications are needed for SGOT and SGPT high treatment along with the prescribed medications. A plant-based and nutrient-rich diet help in treating the highs as they help in regulating the liver functions and flushing out toxins. Also, foods that are rich in vitamin D like fish, cod liver oil, tofu and soya milk etc. help in keeping liver problems at bay thereby controlling the SGPT and SGOT levels. It is advisable to restrict your self from high-fat foods as it will be difficult for the liver to process them. High salt intake should be avoided as they cause fluid retention in the body and also liver swelling. Along with diet, certain lifestyle modifications are also equally important for SGOT SGPT high treatment. It is important to avoid alcoholic beverages to maintain liver health. Regular exercise like jogging and walking helps in maintaining your overall health by keeping the internal organs healthier. When you sweat, toxins are flushed out from your body thereby reducing the load on the liver. No smoking and exposure to harmful chemicals can also help in bringing down the AST SGOT high drastically.

Sometimes there might be a possibility of infection in the liver which could lead to an increase in SGOT/SGPT levels. In such cases, antiviral medications can be of great help in SGOT treatment.

Bangalore, Delhi-NCR, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Lucknow, Indore.

Liver function tests are an ideal way to ensure that there are no abnormalities and the liver is working correctly. It is advisable to make these tests a part of routine health checks to prevent life-threatening diseases in the future.